Exploitation of Tragedy?: A few more words about that press release by the Son-Rise Program
Is the reference to the killing of Katherine McCarron in a press release last week by the Autism Treatment Center of America aka the Son-Rise Program aka the Options Institute an “exploitation of tragedy,” as Stephen Drake of Not Dead Yet noted in a comment?
It is, as Stephen notes, a rhetorical question to bring up here—-but a question that everyone in the autism community needs to ask. (As in this Open Letter to Raun Kaufman on Left Brain/Right Brain.)
Rhetorical questions were frequently used by the ancient Roman orators (such as Cicero) when they wanted to make a point that seemed more than obvious and whose answer would be a strong yes: Ita vero. “Certainly, it should be so obvious.”
So is the reference to the killing of Katherine McCarron in a press release last week by the Autism Treatment Center of America an “exploitation of tragedy”?
Ita vero.
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POSTED IN: Autism Organizations, Classics, Language, Media, Rhetoric, Stereotypes, Treatment
4 opinions for Exploitation of Tragedy?: A few more words about that press release by the Son-Rise Program
Mike McCarron
Oct 2, 2006 at 6:01 pm
I arrived home late Sunday night, fortunately a message waiting for me so this didn’t hit me cold. As I viewed this site I found that all I would have said had already been stated.
First let me thank the individuals that have expressed concern on this “blog” about using the tragic deaths of children in advertising. Many of you conveyed my sentiments more clearly and concisely than I would have been able to articulate. While I was very, very moved by the love displayed for Katie’s memory, I was equally impressed by the true and heartfelt respect for the dignity of human life. I am truly honored to be able to share my words along side so many people of conviction. Thank you!
Secondly, I sent an e-mail message to Mr. Kaufman this morning. I asked if he would alter his advertising release. I have not heard back from him but I am hopeful that the advertising will change.
I have made a similar post on another site as well, Left Brain - Right Brain.
Kristina Chew, PhD
Oct 2, 2006 at 6:21 pm
Thank you, Mike for honoring us here with your words.
Stephen Drake
Oct 5, 2006 at 11:37 am
I apologize for my delay in talking to folks at the Autism Treatment Center of America. I needed to take two days off this week to take my apartment apart and put it back together again - throwing out some things and putting stuff back together in better order. I may have gained us 20% more floor space for my efforts.
I did call the the Center today and asked for Tracy Baisden, whose name is given as a contact on the press release. She is well aware of the reactions from different people, including Mike (I had a second visit from the Options Institute on the NDY site today, btw - before I called.).
The short of it is this. She said they will not use Katie again in their advertising. I did not get any assurances that they would steer away from the “murder” theme altogether. I also suggested that simple courtesy and decency would suggest that Mike McCarron get a response from them ASAP. Ms. Baisden said that would happen but was fuzzy on when.
I will be posting this on the original thread about the press release and on Left Brain/Right Brain.
–Stephen
Stephen Drake
Oct 5, 2006 at 11:43 am
Addendum - I hit pretty hard on using it as a marketing tactic and the exploitation angle. My suggestion is to keep up the heat along these lines.
–Stephen
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